A stage-structured food chain model with stage dependent predation: Existence of codimension one and codimension two bifurcations

Stage-structured predator–prey models exhibit rich and interesting dynamics compared to homogeneous population models. The objective of this paper is to study the bifurcation behavior of stage-structured prey–predator models that admit stage-restricted predation. It is shown that the model with juvenile-only predation exhibits Hopf bifurcation with the growth rate of the adult prey as the bifurcation parameter; also, depending on parameter values, a stable limit cycle will emerge, that is, the bifurcation will be of supercritical nature. On the other hand, the analysis of the model with adult-stage predation shows that the system admits a fold-Hopf bifurcation with the adult growth rate and the predator mortality rate as the two bifurcation parameters. We also demonstrate the existence of a unique limit cycle arising from this codimension-2 bifurcation. These results reveal far richer dynamics compared to models without stage-structure. Numerical simulations are done to support analytical results.     

Bifurcation diagrams of population models with nonlinear,diffusion

We develop analytical and numerical tools for the equilibrium solutions of a class of reaction–diffusion models with nonlinear diffusion rates. Such equations arise from population biology and material sciences. We obtain global bifurcation diagrams for various nonlinear diffusion functions and several growth rate functions.     

Effects of the killing rate on global bifurcation in an oncolytic-virus system with tumors

Oncologists and virologist are quite concerned about many kinds of issues related to tumor-virus dynamics in different virus models. Since the virus invasive behavior emerges from combined effects of tumor cell proliferation, migration and cell-microenvironment interactions, it has been recognized as a complex process and usually simulated by nonlinear differential systems. In this paper, a nonlinear differential model for tumor-virus dynamics is investigated mathematically. We first give a priori estimates for positive steady-states and analyze the stability of the positive constant solution. And then, based on these, we mainly discuss effects of the rate of killing infected cells on the bifurcation solution emanating from the positive constant solution by taking the killing rate as the bifurcation parameter.     

A bifurcation theorem for nonlinear matrix models of population dynamics

ABSTRACT

We prove a general theorem for nonlinear matrix models of the type used in structured population dynamics that describes the bifurcation that occurs when the extinction equilibrium destabilizes as a model parameter is varied. The existence of a bifurcating continuum of positive equilibria is established, and their local stability is related to the direction of bifurcation. Our theorem generalizes existing theorems found in the literature in two ways. First, it allows for a general appearance of the bifurcation parameter (existing theorems require the parameter to appear linearly). This significantly widens the applicability of the theorem to population models. Second, our theorem describes circumstances in which a backward bifurcation can produce stable positive equilibria (existing theorems allow for stability only when the bifurcation is forward). The signs of two diagnostic quantities determine the stability of the bifurcating equilibrium and the direction of bifurcation. We give examples that illustrate these features.     

Complex dynamics of a discrete predator–prey model with the prey subject to the Allee effect

In this paper, complex dynamics of the discrete predator–prey model with the prey subject to the Allee effect are investigated in detail. Firstly, when the prey intrinsic growth rate is not large, the basins of attraction of the equilibrium points of the single population model are given. Secondly, rigorous results on the existence and stability of the equilibrium points of the model are derived, especially, by analyzing the higher order terms, we obtain that the non-hyperbolic extinction equilibrium point is locally asymptotically stable. The existences and bifurcation directions for the flip bifurcation, the Neimark–Sacker bifurcation and codimension-two bifurcations with 1:2 resonance are derived by using the center manifold theorem and the bifurcation theory. We derive that the model only exhibits a supercritical flip bifurcation and it is possible for the model to exhibit a supercritical or subcritical Neimark–Sacker bifurcation at the larger positive equilibrium point. Chaos in the sense of Marotto is proved by analytical methods. Finally, numerical simulations including bifurcation diagrams, phase portraits, sensitivity dependence on the initial values, Lyapunov exponents display new and rich dynamical behaviour. The analytic results and numerical simulations demonstrate that the Allee effect plays a very important role for dynamical behaviour.     

Dynamics of two-cell systems with discrete delays

We consider the system of delay differential equations (DDE) representing the models containing two cells with time-delayed connections. We investigate global, local stability and the bifurcations of the trivial solution under some generic conditions on the Taylor coefficients of the DDE. Regarding eigenvalues of the connection matrix as bifurcation parameters, we obtain codimension one bifurcations (including pitchfork, transcritical and Hopf bifurcation) and Takens-Bogdanov bifurcation as a codimension two bifurcation. For application purposes, this is important since one can now identify the possible asymptotic dynamics of the DDE near the bifurcation points by computing quantities which depend explicitly on the Taylor coefficients of the original DDE. Finally, we show that the analytical results agree with numerical simulations.     

Simple discrete-time malarial models

We investigate dynamics of mosquito population models under two assumptions, respectively, and then formulate simple discrete-time compartmental susceptible-exposed-infective-recovered models for the malaria transmission based on the mosquito population models. We show that the mosquito population models either have robust dynamics or exhibit period-doubling bifurcation depending on the model assumptions. We derive a formula for the reproductive number of infection for the malaria model, which determines the stability of the infection-free fixed point. We then determine the existence of endemic fixed points for the malaria models. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate that the dynamical characteristics of the mosquito populations, such as the global stability of the endemic fixed point and the appearance of a period-doubling bifurcation, are reflected in the dynamics of the malaria transmission.     

Numerical Bifurcation and Spectral Stability of Wavetrains in Bidirectional Whitham Models

We consider several different bidirectional Whitham equations that have recently appeared in the literature. Each of these models combines the full two‐way dispersion relation from the incompressible Euler equations with a canonical shallow water nonlinearity, providing nonlocal model equations that may be expected to exhibit some of the interesting high‐frequency phenomena present in the Euler equations that standard “long‐wave” theories fail to capture. Of particular interest here is the existence and stability of periodic traveling wave solutions in such models. Using numerical bifurcation techniques, we construct global bifurcation diagrams for each system and compare the global structure of branches, together with the possibility of bifurcation branches terminating in a “highest” singular (peaked/cusped) wave. We also numerically approximate the stability spectrum along these bifurcation branches and compare the stability predictions of these models. Our results confirm a number of analytical results concerning the stability of asymptotically small waves in these models and provide new insights into the existence and stability of large amplitude waves.     

A Lyapunov functional for a stage-structured predator–prey model with nonlinear predation rate

We consider the dynamics of a general stage-structured predator–prey model which generalizes several known predator–prey, SEIR, and virus dynamics models, assuming that the intrinsic growth rate of the prey, the predation rate, and the removal functions are given in an unspecified form. Using the Lyapunov method, we derive sufficient conditions for the local stability of the equilibria together with estimations of their respective domains of attraction, while observing that in several particular but important situations these conditions yield global stability results. The biological significance of these conditions is discussed and the existence of the positive steady state is also investigated.     

Spatially nonhomogeneous equilibrium in a reaction-diffusion system with distributed delay

We consider a reaction-diffusion system with general time-delayed growth rate and kernel functions. The existence and stability of the positive spatially nonhomogeneous steady-state solution are obtained. Moreover, taking minimal time delay τ as the bifurcation parameter, Hopf bifurcation near the steady-state solution is proved to occur at a critical value τ=τ₀. Especially, the Hopf bifurcation is forward and the bifurcated periodic solutions are stable on the center manifold. The general results are applied to competitive and cooperative systems with weak or strong kernel function respectively.     

Global bifurcation and stability of steady states for a bacterial colony model with density-suppressed motility

We investigate the structure and stability of the steady states for a bacterial colony model with density-suppressed motility. We treat the growth rate of bacteria as a bifurcation parameter to explore the local and global structure of the steady states. Relying on asymptotic analysis and the theory of Fredholm solvability, we derive the second-order approximate expression of the steady states. We analytically establish the stability criterion of the bifurcation solutions, and show that sufficiently large growth rate of bacteria leads to a stable uniform steady state. While the growth rate of bacteria is less than some certain value, there is pattern formation with the admissible wave mode. All the analytical results are corroborated by numerical simulations from different stages.     

Predator–prey interaction system with mutually interfering predator: role of feedback control

In this study, we investigate the global dynamics of non-autonomous and autonomous systems based on the Leslie–Gower type model using the Beddington–DeAngelis functional response (BDFR) with time-independent and time-dependent model parameters. Unpredictable disturbances are introduced in the forms of feedback control variables. BDFR explains the feeding rate of the predator as functions of both the predator and prey densities. The global stability of the unique positive equilibrium solution of the autonomous model is determined by defining an appropriate Lyapunov function. The condition obtained for the global stability of the interior equilibrium ensures that the global stability is free from control variables, which is also a significant issue in the ecological balance control procedure. The autonomous system exhibits complex dynamics via bifurcation scenarios, such as period doubling bifurcation. We prove the existence of a globally stable almost periodic solution of the associated non-autonomous model. The different coefficients of the system are taken as almost periodic functions by generalizing periodic assumptions. The permanence of the non-autonomous system is established by defining upper and lower averages of a function. Our results also explain how the important hypothesis in ecology known as the “intermediate disturbance hypothesis” applies in predator–prey interactions. We show that moderate feedback intensity can make both the ordinary differential equation system and partial differential equation system more robust. The results obtained provide new insights into the protection of populations, where moderate feedback intensity can promote the coexistence of species and adjusting the intensity of the feedback in appropriate regions can control the population biomass while maintaining the stability of the system. Finally, the results obtained from extensive numerical simulations support the analytical results as well as the usefulness of the present study in terms of ecological balance and bio-control problems in agro-ecosystems.     

Mathematical model of hematopoiesis dynamics with growth factor-dependent apoptosis and proliferation regulations

We consider a nonlinear mathematical model of hematopoietic stem cell dynamics, in which proliferation and apoptosis are controlled by growth factor concentrations. Cell proliferation is positively regulated, while apoptosis is negatively regulated. The resulting age-structured model is reduced to a system of three differential equations, with three independent delays, and existence of steady states is investigated. The stability of the trivial steady state, describing cells dying out with a saturation of growth factor concentrations is proven to be asymptotically stable when it is the only equilibrium. The stability analysis of the unique positive steady state allows the determination of a stability area, and shows that instability may occur through a Hopf bifurcation, mainly as a destabilization of the proliferative capacity control, when cell cycle durations are very short. Numerical simulations are carried out and result in a stability diagram that stresses the lead role of the introduction rate compared to the apoptosis rate in the system stability.     

Stability and bifurcation analysis of a nutrient-phytoplankton model with time delay

We proposed a nutrient-phytoplankton interaction model with a discrete and distributed time delay to provide a better understanding of phytoplankton growth dynamics and nutrient-phytoplankton oscillations induced by delay. Standard linear analysis indicated that delay can induce instability of a positive equilibrium via Hopf bifurcation. We derived the conditions guaranteeing the existence of Hopf bifurcation and tracked its direction and the stability of the bifurcating periodic solutions. We also obtained the sufficient conditions for the global asymptotic stability of the unique positive steady state. Numerical analysis in the fully nonlinear regime showed that the stability of the positive equilibrium is sensitive to changes in delay values under select conditions. Numerical results were consistent with results predicted by linear analysis.     

Bifurcation analysis of a population model and the resulting SIS epidemic model with delay

This paper deals with the model for matured population growth proposed in Cooke et al. [Interaction of matiration delay and nonlinear birth in population and epidemic models, J. Math. Biol. 39 (1999) 332–352] and the resulting SIS epidemic model. The dynamics of these two models are still largely undetermined, and in this paper, we perform some bifurcation analysis to the models. By applying the global bifurcation theory for functional differential equations, we are able to show that the population model allows multiple periodic solutions. For the SIS model, we obtain some local bifurcation results and derive formulas for determining the bifurcation direction and the stability of the bifurcated periodic solution.     

Stability and persistence in plankton models with distributed delays

In this paper a model with two independent distributed delays is proposed to describe a population of microorganism feeding on a limiting nutrient which is supplied at a constant rate and is recycled after the death of the species by decomposer action. We obtain sufficient conditions for local and global stability of the positive equilibrium of the model. A fairly general function for nutrient uptake is considered. Stability changes of the positive equilibrium as the nutrient supply increases are studied by the Hopf bifurcation theorem.     

Global stability of humoral immunity virus dynamics models with nonlinear infection rate and removal

In this paper, we investigate the dynamical behavior of two nonlinear models for viral infection with humoral immune response. The first model contains four compartments; uninfected target cells, actively infected cells, free virus particles and B cells. The intrinsic growth rate of uninfected cells, incidence rate of infection, removal rate of infected cells, production rate of viruses, neutralization rate of viruses, activation rate of B cells and removal rate of B cells are given by more general nonlinear functions. The second model is a modification of the first one by including an eclipse stage of infected cells. We assume that the latent-to-active conversion rate is also given by a more general nonlinear function. For each model we derive two threshold parameters and establish a set of conditions on the general functions which are sufficient to determine the global dynamics of the models. By using suitable Lyapunov functions and LaSalle’s invariance principle, we prove the global asymptotic stability of the all equilibria of the models. We perform some numerical simulations for the models with specific forms of the general functions and show that the numerical results are consistent with the theoretical results.     

Analysis of stability and Hopf bifurcation for HIV-1 dynamics with PI and three intracellular delays

Mathematical model for the effects of protease inhibitor on the dynamics of HIV-1 infection model with three delays is proposed and analyzed. Some analytical results on the global stability of viral free steady state and infected steady state are obtained. The stability/instability of the positive steady state and associated Hopf bifurcation are investigated by analyzing the characteristic equations.     

Spatio-temporal dynamics of a reaction–diffusion–advection food-limited system with nonlocal delayed competition and Dirichlet boundary condition

Spatio-temporal dynamics of a reaction–diffusion–advection food-limited population model with nonlocal delayed competition and Dirichlet boundary condition are considered. Existence and stability of the positive spatially nonhomogeneous steady state solution are shown. Existence and direction of the spatially nonhomogeneous steady-state-Hopf bifurcation are proved. Stable spatio-temporal patterns near the steady-state-Hopf bifurcation point are numerically obtained. We also investigate the joint influences of some important parameters including advection rate, food-limited parameter and nonlocal delayed competition on the dynamics. It is found that the effect of advection on Hopf bifurcation is opposite with the corresponding no-flux system. The theoretical results provide some interesting highlights in ecological protection in streams or rivers.     

STABLE PERIODIC BEHAVIOR IN PIONEER-CLIMAX COMPETING SPECIES MODELS WITH CONSTANT RATE FORCING

Two-dimensional pioneer-climax models of competing species differential equations are studied where the per capita growth rates are functions of weighted densities of the populations. The per capita growth rate of the pioneer species is monotonically decreasing whereas the per capita growth rate of the climax species is a one-humped function of the total weighted density. Constant rate forcing is introduced into the model representing stocking or harvesting. General formulas are calculated for determining the stability of the periodic orbit arising from a Hopf bifurcation.